Struggling with OG and ABV

[aaronanddelania]

Without going into too much detail, our last 3 extract brews have had a low ABV. Today we brewed a stout carefully following the recipe and ended up with a low OG. What are the reasons for low ABV and OG? We're trying to pinpoint our problem. Thanks.

 

[Revvy]

You're an extract brewer, more than likely you're like the countless new brewers who only THINK they have low og/abv...

If you followed instructions, and have the correct volume of beer, then it's impossible to have that happen. Read my thread entitled-"Attention new brewers, yes your original gravity reading is wrong. Don't panic"!

 

[Jipper]

Hmmm. When / what temperature are you taking your hydrometer reading? Are you adding too much water? How vigorous / long is the boil? How far off is the original gravity from where it should be? Any equipment changes lately?

 

[aaronanddelania]

Revvy, thanks so much. That is a weight off our minds. Being really new to this we follow the instructions to a tee. We take our readings at the temperature we are fermenting at but we may not be mixing long enough after adding water. We are careful to only go to 5.0 gallons. Thanks again. Great post.